Scientific Name
Magnolia virginiana ‘Sweet Bay Magnolia’
Sweet bay magnolia has a native range from New Jersey in the north, down along the Atlantic coastal plain and south and east to the Gulf Coast states as far as eastern Texas. One wouldn't expect this tree to be very adaptable to a climate with winters like ours, but it has been documented to survive temperatures of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit or even a bit lower. However, it grows much smaller in the northern states than in its native habitat, where it can reach a height of 100 feet. In our area, trees 10 to 20 feet are more typical, as shown by the Colorado champions at 14 and 18 feet tall.
The foliage, evergreen in the southern states, is normally deciduous in colder climates. The oblong leaves, unlobed and smooth-edged, are around 5 inches long and half or less as wide, with silvery undersides. Unlike many other magnolias in our area, this one begins flowering in late spring or early summer, helping it avoid late frost damage, and often continues blooming sporadically for another couple of months. The 2- to 3-inch flowers are less showy than many other magnolias but make up for it with a distinct lemony scent, which some consider the most fragrant of any magnolia. The fruit is a slightly lumpy green structure that turns a strong red color in September as the individual seeds are exposed.